Chambers urge Oklahoma lawmakers to kill transgender bill

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Chambers of commerce in Oklahoma's two largest cities are urging state lawmakers to kill a bill that could require school districts to provide separate restrooms for students who object to sharing restrooms with transgender students.

In a letter to lawmakers Monday, the presidents of both the Tulsa Regional Chamber and Greater Oklahoma City Chamber warned of "severe economic damage" that could result from the measure.

Under the bill, students could apply for a religious accommodation to use a restroom or locker room designed for exclusive use by those whose sex at birth matches the student's own.

The proposal was approved last week by a Senate committee, but hasn't come up before the full chamber.

The measure follows the federal government's guidance on the use of bathrooms by transgender students.